Scarlet

 

Scarlet, by AC Gaughen, is a fantastic new novel based on the Robin Hood legend.

THE PLOT: Eighteen year old Will Scarlet is one of Robin Hood's closest friends in their outlaw band. He is known by the people of Nottingham for his distinct scar and skill with knives and stealing, but only a select few know the truth, Scarlet is a girl. Scarlet has plenty of problems, what with being an outlaw and her confusing feelings for Robin, but when someone from her mysterious past appears, everything Scarlet has worked for and run from may come crashing down around her. 

THE CHARACTERS: Scarlet was a likeable heroine, despite the fact that she did make some bad decisions. I think that this added to her realisticness, since no one is perfect. She was tough and brave, but had a huge tangle of guilt and caring underneath her hard exterior. Robin and the other members of his band, John and Much, were all very well done, with distinct personalities and backgrounds that made them who they were. The villains were were so much fun to hate, and the romance was perfect, not to sweet and no insta-love!

OVERALL: Overall, this was a beautifully written book by a talented new author. Scarlet's voice is difficult to understand at first, but after a few pages you become accustomed to it and the story flows well. Plenty of action, fight scenes, betrayal, grievous wounds, kissing, and explosions. Scarlet is my new favorite Robin Hood spin-off and i highly recommend it. 5 stars.